Reasons to Apply to Online Schools in Ohio
- Some Ohio online schools may offer in-state tuition discounts to online students.
- Several prestigious Ohio universities offer online programs, including Ohio State.
- Online degrees provide lots of flexibility, so you can work while you learn.
- Ohio boasts a low cost of living compared to other states, making it a great choice for students on a budget.
- Getting an online education is a convenient and inexpensive way to prepare for jobs in the state's biggest industries, including manufacturing, financial activities, healthcare, and education.
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Best Online Colleges in Ohio
We use trusted sources like
Peterson's Data and
the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools.
#1 Best Online Colleges in Ohio
University of Cincinnati
Cincinnati, OH - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $311-$1,115
Out-of-State | $326-$1,130
Credits to Graduate: 120 (undergraduate)
The University of Cincinnati offers more than 100 fully online programs from all levels for students across the country. The school provides flexible schedules and primarily asynchronous delivery to support busy and working learners.
UC Online pairs online students with various advisors along the way, including admissions, student success, and career support personnel. Out-of-state students can also participate in online programs, even setting up internships near them when required.
UC Online's programs are taught by the same faculty and feature the same accreditations as the on-campus programs. They all run in a seven- or 14-week format and feature no campus visit requirements.
#2 Best Online Colleges in Ohio
Ohio University
Athens, OH - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $307-$508
Out-of-State | $312-$527
Credits to Graduate: 192 quarter hours (undergraduate)
As a student in Ohio University's online college, OHIO Online, you have a choice of over 60 online and hybrid programs at various levels. You'll enjoy asynchronous courses and a self-paced schedule, plus no campus requirements throughout the program.
OHIO Online also provides individualized assistance from advisors and career services professionals, along with round-the-clock mental health support. The school enrolls more than 7,500 students from across the country. Out-of-state learners only pay a $5-$19 nonresident fee.
#3 Best Online Colleges in Ohio
Youngstown State University
Youngstown, OH - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $275-$450
Out-of-State | $280-$455
Credits to Graduate: 120 (undergraduate)
Youngstown State University features more than 25 online bachelor's and master's programs in the fields of business, education, and nursing. Run by the Cyberlearning department, Youngstown State Online runs both synchronous and asynchronous classes.
Many of the online programs run in an accelerated format and offer multiple start dates for shorter completion times. With no campus requirements and only a $5 nonresident fee, out-of-state students have just as much access to Youngstown State online as in-state students.
#4 Best Online Colleges in Ohio
Bowling Green State University
Bowling Green, OH - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $437-$595
Out-of-State | $448-$606
Credits to Graduate: 120 (undergraduate)
Bowling Green State University (BGSU) offers 62 online and hybrid programs in various disciplines, including healthcare, business, and technology. Online classes here start six times per year and feature asynchronous delivery for ultimate flexibility.
At BGSU Online, programs either run fully online in condensed seven-week or traditional 15-week sessions or in a hybrid format. Out-of-state students only pay an $11 nonresident fee on top of tuition and face no mandatory campus visits.
#5 Best Online Colleges in Ohio
Ashland University
Ashland, OH - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $590-$1,170
Out-of-State | $590-$1,170
Credits to Graduate: 120 (undergraduate)
A private Christian school, Ashland University offers its undergraduate students the choice of 50 online programs, including associate, bachelor's, and master's degrees in business. Ashland's online students enjoy asynchronous classes and, in some programs, entirely self-paced studies.
Ashland's online programs use state-of-the-art technology to leverage the same faculty and resources as its on-campus programs. Out-of-state students pay the same tuition rate as in-state learners.
#6 Best Online Colleges in Ohio
University of Toledo
Toledo, OH - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $428-$640
Out-of-State | $429-$640
Credits to Graduate: 120 (undergraduate)
The University of Toledo has offered online programs for over 25 years, growing its catalog to more than 50 online programs. Called UToledo Online, the online school features programs in information technology, business, nursing, and education.
Your online courses here typically run asynchronously throughout seven- or 15-week blocks. UToledo Online only adds a $1 surcharge on tuition for out-of-state students, and your tuition prices lock in for the length of your program when you first enroll.
#7 Best Online Colleges in Ohio
Tiffin University
Tiffin, OH - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $525-$855
Out-of-State | $525-$855
Credits to Graduate: 121 (undergraduate)
Offering on-campus education for more than 130 years, Tiffin University also runs online programs at the bachelor's, master's, and doctoral levels. Tiffin University features more than 11 online programs, each with six annual start dates, asynchronous classes, and an average 15-to-1 student-to-teacher ratio.
TU's online courses run asynchronously, and most of the online programs have no residency requirements. Online learners have access to professional workshops, individualized tutoring, and career support.
#8 Best Online Colleges in Ohio
Franklin University
Columbus, OH - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $298-$748
Out-of-State | $298-$748
Credits to Graduate: 124 (undergraduate)
Online students at Franklin University have plenty of options available to them, including 14 online information technology programs and over 20 online business programs. The programs feature flexible schedules for busy and working students, including asynchronous classes or synchronous sessions during the evenings.
Most of the online programs offer multiple annual start dates and classes that run between 6-12 weeks. Franklin connects online students with a peer and professional network for additional support and mentorship.
#9 Best Online Colleges in Ohio
Walsh University
North Canton, OH - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $510-$745
Out-of-State | $510-$745
Credits to Graduate: 120 (undergraduate)
Located in Northeast Ohio, the Catholic Walsh University offers more than 30 online programs. Your online options include accelerated online bachelor's degrees in disciplines like aviation, business, and healthcare. You can also pursue several online master's and doctoral degrees.
Online program structures vary by program, but most classes run asynchronously, though some evening and weekend sessions may be required. Programs usually feature 3-6 intakes each year, and some campus residencies may be required.
#10 Best Online Colleges in Ohio
Mount Vernon Nazarene University
Mount Vernon, OH - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $265-$498
Out-of-State | $265-$498
Credits to Graduate: 120 (undergraduate)
At Mount Vernon Nazarene University (MVNU), you have over 40 online programs to choose from at the bachelor's and graduate levels, including options in ministry, business, and education. The Christian school's online programs feature no residency requirements and are accelerated and asynchronous.
MVNU also offers online learners specialized career counseling and education workshops. To save you time on your degree, MVNU provides transfer credits for previous college courses, professional training, and credit by exam.
How We Rank Schools
Accredited Schools Online (ASO) uses a custom ranking system to evaluate schools on their quality, affordability, and reputation.
We rank schools using data like graduation rate, admission rate, tuition costs, financial aid awarded, and program offerings. And all our ranked schools hold institutional accreditation.
Our detailed methodology page can tell you more about how we create school rankings.
Why Accreditation Matters for Online Schools in Ohio
When applying to Ohio online colleges, you'll want to ensure each school is accredited.
Accreditation shows that an outside agency has reviewed the school and confirmed its academic quality. In other words, accreditation is a stamp of approval indicating that the school meets certain standards.
The Higher Learning Commission (HLC) is the primary institutional accreditor for schools in Ohio.
If you're applying to online programs in professional fields like nursing or law, check that your program is programmatically accredited. Often, you can't qualify for state licensure unless you attend an accredited program and school.
How Much Do Online Colleges in Ohio Cost?
The average tuition and fees for four-year private colleges in Ohio were $35,352 in 2020-2021, according to the National Center for Education Statistics.
If you're an Ohio resident, you can save money by opting for a public university. Tuition and fees for in-state residents at public schools averaged $10,049 that same year.
You can further lower your college costs by applying for federal financial aid each year you're in school.
The Ohio Department of Higher Education also offers many grants and scholarships to in-state students, with some specifically targeting nurses, veterans, and returning students.
4 Popular Cities for Online Colleges in Ohio
The four cities below are home to some of Ohio's biggest colleges and universities. They're also great places for online students to live and learn.
Columbus
Columbus is the largest city in Ohio, with a population of around 900,000. The city is home to Ohio State's main campus, which enrolls over 40,000 students. Local attractions include the Columbus Museum of Art, the Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, and the Ohio Theatre.
Cleveland
After Columbus, Cleveland is the second largest city in Ohio, with a population of around 370,000. Cleveland is an exciting place for students of the arts and natural sciences. University Circle, which is located downtown, is home to landmarks like the Cleveland Botanical Garden, the Cleveland Museum of Art, and the Cleveland Museum of Natural History.
Cincinnati
Cincinnati is a mid-sized city with a population of just over 300,000. Cincinnati State Technical and Community College has four locations throughout the city and surrounding area. Cincinnati is also rife with fun things to do and see, such as the Cincinnati Zoo and Findlay Market.
Lima
Lima is a smaller city in northwest Ohio, with a population of just 36,000. A prominent regional medical center, the city is also home to PG's Tide and Downy facilities. Lima is home to three educational institutions: the University of Northwestern Ohio, Ohio State at Lima, and Rhodes State College.
School | Location | Type | Accreditation |
---|---|---|---|
Case Western Reserve University | Cleveland | Private, 4-Year | HLC |
Cincinnati State | Cincinnati | Public, 4-Year | HLC |
Cleveland State University | Cleveland | Public, 4-Year | HLC |
Columbus State Community College | Columbus | Public, 2-Year | HLC |
Cuyahoga Community College | Cleveland | Public, 2-Year | HLC |
Franklin University | Columbus | Private, 4-Year | HLC |
Mount Carmel College of Nursing | Columbus | Private, 4-Year | HLC |
Notre Dame College | Cleveland | Private, 4-Year | HLC |
Ohio Dominican University | Columbus | Private, 4-Year | HLC |
Rhodes State College | Lima | Public, 2-Year | HLC |
The Ohio State University | Columbus | Public, 4-Year | HLC |
University of Cincinnati | Cincinnati | Public, 4-Year | HLC |
University of Northwestern Ohio | Lima | Private, 4-Year | HLC |
Xavier University | Cincinnati | Private, 4-Year | HLC |
Did You Know...
Ohio State's Ohio Stadium in Columbus can fit 102,780 people!
What Are the Most In-Demand Jobs in Ohio?
The most in-demand jobs in Ohio vary widely in education requirements and salary expectations, with some asking for just a high school diploma and others requiring a graduate degree. These jobs also span many industries, from hospitality to healthcare.
Today, some of the fastest-growing jobs in Ohio include nurse practitioner, restaurant cook, and physician assistant.
Job | Median Annual Salary in OH (May 2021) | Job Growth Rate in OH (2020-2030) | Minimum Education Required |
---|---|---|---|
Nurse Practitioners | $103,310 | 49% | Master's |
Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers | $22,860 | 43% | None |
Restaurant Cooks | $28,850 | 42% | None |
Statisticians | $75,230 | 35% | Master's |
Occupational Therapy Assistants | $61,390 | 31% | Associate |
Nonfarm Animal Caretakers | $22,890 | 29% | High school diploma |
Medical and Health Services Managers | $98,550 | 29% | Bachelor's |
Physician Assistants | $102,510 | 29% | Master's |
Logisticians | $77,030 | 28% | Bachelor's |
Physical Therapist Assistants | $61,560 | 27% | Associate |
Sources: BLS, Projections Central
Frequently Asked Questions About Ohio Online Colleges
How many colleges and universities are there in Ohio?
Ohio is home to a total of 289 colleges and universities. Of these, 127 are four-year institutions and 112 are two-year institutions. Ohio has 108 public colleges and universities and 84 private nonprofit schools. You can earn a bachelor's degree at 111 of these schools.
What Ohio colleges are online?
Many well-known Ohio colleges and universities offer online programs. These include Ohio State, Ohio University, and Miami University.
Is online school free in Ohio?
Online school is generally not free in Ohio. Like other online schools, Ohio online schools charge learners tuition and fees. You can save money by submitting the FAFSA and applying for scholarships.
Note, too, that tuition is often lower at public universities than it is at private schools.
How long do you have to live in Ohio to get in-state tuition?
In general, you have to live in Ohio for at least 12 months to qualify for in-state tuition.
That said, the Forever Buckeyes provision allows any students who've graduated from a public or private Ohio high school to qualify for in-state tuition, even if they moved away after graduation. In this case, you don't have to establish residency for one year before qualifying for in-state tuition.